New Belgium Eric’s Ale, Belgian-style Blond join Lips of Faith bottle series

(Fort Collins, CO) – New Belgium Brewing will introduce two more beers in bottles next year (perhaps more) when they add Eric’s Ale, a previously draft-only product, and Belgian-style Blond Ale to the Lips of Faith bottle series. La Folie 2010 will also don a slightly different look.

You’ve hopefully already read about New Belgium Ranger IPA and the new labels coming next year. Now the brewery is starting to roll out plans for its 2010 Lips of Faith lineup though the exact release dates are unknown at this time. We know of three beers so far . . .

Here is the commercial description for Eric’s Ale back when it was released on draft: “Eric’s Ale, from the creative and slightly diabolical mind of brewer Eric Salazar, is the third offering in our Lips of Faith program. Lips of Faith is all about taking chances, breaking rules and being experimental- kind of like being back in high school. Eric won the quarterly drink-off qualifier by correctly identifying which three beers in what percentage had been blended in his glass, earning him the right to brew whatever kind of beer he chose.

Having worked closely with our wood beer project, La Folie, Eric decided to play around with oak barrels. The result is a very drinkable sour beer hybrid with subtle peach tones and a warm, spicy finish. The aroma has pleasant hints of vanilla and tropical fruit, the wood characteristics are present but nicely muted.

Eric’s Ale weighs in at 7% ABV and is best enjoyed while listening to the dulcet guitar work of Buckethead.”

Brettanomyces is added for some subtle sour notes.

As for Belgian-Style Blond, this is a new beer altogether. “While light in color, body and texture, this blond isn’t timid. Belgian yeast gets on with Saaz and Syrian Golding hops for appreciated complexity and crisp finish.” 7.5% ABV.

And then there’s La Folie . . . despite the new label, this is the same beer as last year.

All three will be available for a limited time in the 22 oz. bomber format.

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